Little Mac Richard in a pit of snakes

Nosferatu (1922) Max Schreck inhabited the role of vampire Count Orlock so completely in this beautiful nightmare, he inspired a cottage industry of conspiracy theories casting him as an actual vampire. These theories eventually inspired their own film. Director F.W. Murnau, whose other credits include The Last Laugh (1924) and Sunrise: A Song of Two Humans (1927), died tragically… Continue reading Little Mac Richard in a pit of snakes

Seven years before the first NBA game: A look back at 1939

In 1939, Lou Gehrig’s streak of 2130 consecutive games played ended; The University of Oregon won the first NCAA college basketball tournament; Francisco Franco came to power in Spain; Billie Holliday recorded “Strange Fruit;” Batman debuted in Detective Comics #27; Teddy Roosevelt’s head on Mount Rushmore was dedicated; Germany invaded Poland; President Franklin Roosevelt laid… Continue reading Seven years before the first NBA game: A look back at 1939

Camille’s secret life

  Camille (1936) Marguerite Gautier (Greta Garbo) uses her femininity to rise from humble beginnings to a preeminent position in French society as Dame Camille, but complications arise when she falls in love with Armand (Robert Taylor). Armand’s father (Lionel Barrymore) convinces Camille her sordid past will ruin his future, so she leaves him.  A heartbroken… Continue reading Camille’s secret life